President Donald Trump returned to his home state on Friday for a rally in Rockland County.
He was there to talk up his economic agenda.
“Under the Trump administration, we are doing everything we can to bring New York back to better bigger and stronger than ever,” Trump said.
He also campaigned for Republicans like gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler.
“On behalf of the people on the 17th District, I want to thank you for delivering a big win on the cap on SALT,” Lawler said, referring to the State and Local Tax deduction. “Over 90% of my constituents were able fully deduct their state and local taxes. I thank you for fulfilling the commitment.”
Meanwhile, there are some Hudson Valley residents who opposed Trump’s visit. Some on hand were locals from Rockland County, while others traveled south from Ulster and Dutchess counties. They said they want to make their voices heard in opposition to Trump and Lawler.
“Having the president this close, I’ve got to get as close as I can to tell him how much I dislike his policies,” said Newburgh resident Barbara Ionczak. “I’m not into hate or anything like that, but I have grandchildren and I want to make sure that democracy is here for them.”
Lawler is facing reelection in a swing district, one that Democrats are heavily targeting. The president showed his support for the second-term congressmember and gave him a new nickname while also touting his policies.
“Mike Lawler is fantastic, he’s fantastic,” Trump said. “I call him Mr. SALT. He wouldn’t stop, he was driving us crazy. ‘We have to get SALT back,’ and we got it back.”
Protesters marched about 1.5 miles from a nearby park to occupy a space across from the entrance to Rockland County Community College, where Trump spoke. Some said they are deeply upset about some recent federal actions, including the Supreme Court’s recent decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
They also expressed concerned about affordability in light of the war with Iran. A new parent Spectrum News 1 spoke with said his family is already struggling to pay for the basics like clothes and diapers but the spike of gas prices is forcing them to cut back even further.
